Opening
Against the Grain
A gluten-free bakery and breakfast and lunch restaurant has opened in downtown Mesa. The bakery also stocks a full selection of gluten-free groceries.
124 W. Main St., Mesa, againstthegrainfood.com
A Gourmet
An Italian-inspired sandwich shop featuring 10 artisan sandwiches on focaccia.
13833 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, agourmetsurprise.com
Aruma Café
The Culdesac Tempe is now home to a Mexican coffee shop brought to you by the owners of Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas, along with partner DeAndre Hopkins, former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver.
2011 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, @arumacafeaz
A&W Restaurant
A blast from the past – A&W has reemerged in the Valley with a location in Chandler, where you’ll find burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fries, and of course, A&W root beer floats.
2750 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, awrestaurants.com
Avasa
A new Pan-Asian spot has opened in Tempe, featuring tandoori, biryani, fish vindaloo, Thai fried rice and buttered chicken.
6430 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, avasaarestaurant.com
Baggin’s
Tucson-based sandwich spot sets up shop in Scottsdale, featuring hot and cold handhelds, from turkey to grinders to beef dips, along with bread bowl salads, soups and desserts.
14202 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, bagginsgourmet.com
Cogburn’s Big Wings
Country-themed sports bar that recently closed one of its Gilbert locations, has opened a new outlet in a Chandler strip mall, serving wings, burgers, salads, pizza and pasta.
2050 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler, cogburnsbar.com
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
This Valley burger joint recently opened its 17th outlet – in Surprise.
13400 N. Prasada Pkwy., Surprise, coldbeers.com
The Ends Restaurant
Inspired by the spirit of the late Anthony Bourdain, The Ends features a fine dining menu paired with “the warmth of community.” From Tommy Plato of Second Story Liquor Bar in the former Kazimierz spot in Old Town.
7137 E. Stetson, Dr., Scottsdale, endsrestaurant.com
The Green Olive
This healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant is an extension of its popular catering business. Look for kabobs, falafel, shawarma, fattoush salads and more.
1262 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa, the-green-olive.com
Kid Sister
Wine bar and bistro opens in the former Whyld Ass Café location.
4810 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, kidsisterphx.com
Kitchen 7 Asian Food & Sushi
Casual dining and takeout restaurant with Asian favorites, from chow fun and fried rice to roast duck and stir-fried beef with spring onions.
17155 N. 51st Ave., Glendale, kitchen7glendale.com
Momma’s Soul Fish & Chicken
Mesa has a new soul food restaurant with pork chops, catfish, hush puppies, cornbread and a large selection of wings and fried fish entrees. The original Momma’s is in West Phoenix.
4906 E. Main St., Mesa, mommassoul.com
Okay Maguey
Scratch kitchen gourmet taco bar with a large Mexican food menu, including ceviche, enchiladas, burritos and a full bar.
12005 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, magueytacobar.com
Over Easy
Home-grown breakfast spot recently opened a second location in Queen Creek and then, two weeks later, a location in Peoria.
37490 N. Gantzel Rd., Queen Creek; 25738 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., eatatovereasy.com
Pacific Rim & Bento
The owners of Pacific Rim & Sushi food truck have opened a counter-service Hawaiian restaurant in Mesa. The food truck is still making the rounds.
1720 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, pacificrimandsushi.com
Popo’s Fiesta del Sol
Serving Mexican favorites to the Valley since 1964, Popo’s recently opened a third location in Goodyear.
15375 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, poposmexicanfood.com
Salad and Go
A 56th Valley location of Salad and Go has opened in Mesa at Country Club Drive and Baseline.
1956 N. Country Club Dr., Mesa, saladandgo.com
Senor Taco Express
Family-owned Senor Taco has opened a “fast and fresh authentic Mex” express location in Midtown Phoenix.
3215 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, senortacoexpress.com
sneakybird
This fast-casual concept that serves up “Never Ever Fried” chicken has opened a second location in Gilbert’s Verde at Cooley Station. The chicken is baked with panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese with a choice of dry rubs and sauces.
3945 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert, sneakybird.com
Someburros
Locally owned and family-operated Someburros has opened an outlet in San Tan Valley, serving Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine.
440 E. Combs Rd., San Tan Valley, someburros.com
Tambayan
Joann and Denver Tagorda have opened a brick-and-mortar version of their Filipino food truck in the former Flaming Pig space. They serve lumpia, pancit and barbecue.
1534 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, tembayaneatery.com
Vero Chicago Pizza
You’ll find Chicago-style pizza, salads, wings, sandwiches and pasta dishes at Vero’s seventh Valley location.
19975 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Maricopa, verochicagopizza.com
Xami Sushi
Billed as “Your Friendly Neighborhood Sushi Bar,” Xami whips up sushi, tempura shrimp and vegetables, teriyaki bowls and sashimi.
2707 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, samisushi.toast.site
Closing
Dad’s Modern Cocktails & Eatery in Scottsdale has closed after three years.
The Farmhouse, a Gilbert breakfast restaurant that’s been an East Valley favorite since 1989, has turned out the lights for good.
Gallery Bar High Street, a piano bar art space, has shut down after two years.
Stalwart Old Town Scottsdale karaoke and sushi restaurant, Geisha A Go Go, has shut its doors after 17 years to make way for new development.
After four years, Kaizen has closed, but the owners plan to open a “mini Kaizen” inside Silo, their Tempe Hayden Ferry lakeside restaurant.
A Valley institution for more than 28 years, Merc Bar at Phoenix’s Esplanade has served its last cocktail.
The Old Spaghetti Factory has closed its Chandler Fashion Square location after 14 years. The Downtown Phoenix location is still up and running.
Say farewell to Sakana Sushi in Ahwatukee, which closed at the end of June. The Scottsdale location is open.
Superstition Meadery in Downtown Phoenix has called it quits due to rising costs, but the Prescott location remains open.
Gilbert’s Sushi Ramen Go has shut down.
Chandler’s Tacos Chiwas recently closed, but owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin are looking for a larger space. Stay tuned.
Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap in North Scottsdale has shuttered, but the east Mesa and Queen Creek locations are still open.
Ahwatukee’s Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits closed after a four-year-run.
